Shipwreck Creek Camping: A Secluded Croajingolong Escape, VIC

For those seeking a truly intimate and peaceful camping experience in the pristine wilderness of Croajingolong National Park, Shipwreck Creek Campground is an absolute gem. A world away from the bustling holiday crowds, this small and secluded campground offers a perfect escape just a short drive from Mallacoota. Nestled amongst a forest of tall eucalypt trees, the campground provides a genuine sense of immersion in nature. With only five campsites available, it guarantees a quiet and personal stay, making it a highly sought-after destination for those looking to disconnect and recharge.

The campground’s name hints at the area’s rich maritime history, and a short, scenic walk through windswept coastal heathland leads you to the beautiful and sheltered Shipwreck Beach. This picturesque cove is named after the wreck of The Schah, one of Victoria’s oldest shipwrecks, which met its fate here in 1837. The beach is perfect for swimming, exploring rock pools, and simply soaking up the serene atmosphere. The campground itself provides basic but essential facilities for a comfortable bush camp, including non-flush toilets, shared picnic tables, and fireplaces. As a remote national park site, campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and firewood. Access via the unsealed Centre Track can be challenging, especially after rain, so a 4WD or AWD vehicle is often recommended. Bookings are essential for this tiny campground, and securing a spot here feels like discovering one of East Gippsland’s best-kept secrets.

Campground Details

• Name: Shipwreck Creek Campground
• Address: Centre Track, Mallacoota, VIC 3892, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.64522882364355, 149.6986055771494
• Website: Parks Victoria – Shipwreck Creek

Park Facilities & Information

• Location: Croajingolong National Park, south of Mallacoota.
• Road Access: Via unsealed Betka Road which becomes Centre Track. Can be wet and boggy; 4WD is recommended.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and sand.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping in designated sites. Advanced bookings are required year-round via Parks Victoria.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria for specific limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush (pit) toilets, shared fireplaces, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out park.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites: 5 unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, fuel stove (for fire ban days), insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the national park.
• Fishing: Yes, beach fishing is possible at Shipwreck Beach.
• Short Walks: Yes, a short walk (approx. 10 minutes) to Shipwreck Beach. It is also a starting point for sections of the Wilderness Coast Walk.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Mallacoota Hotel Motel – Approx. 15 km
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mallacoota – Approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Shipwreck Beach – 10-minute walk
  • Betka Beach – Approx. 10 km
  • Mallacoota Inlet – Approx. 15 km
  • Genoa Peak Walk – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
  • Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park – Approx. 15 km
  • Mallacoota’s Shady Gully Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
  • Beachcomber Caravan Park (Mallacoota) – Approx. 15 km
• Alternate Free Camps:
  • Genoa Campground (72hr limit) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
  • Mallacoota Public Dump Point (Buckland Drive) – Approx. 16 km
  • Cann River Landfill – Approx. 85 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple stations in Mallacoota – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mallacoota (public taps available) – Approx. 15 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Croajingolong National Park enjoys some of Victoria’s mildest weather, but conditions can be changeable.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with cool ocean breezes. Average maximums are around 24-25°C. Perfect for swimming and beach activities.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny, and often calm, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the coast.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and mild compared to the rest of Victoria, with average maximums around 15-16°C. Can be wet and windy.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and warming up. The coastal heathlands come alive with a spectacular display of wildflowers.